SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) – The Korean government on Friday announced a comprehensive safety plan for electric vehicles (EVs), which includes the mandatory disclosure of battery information and the early introduction of a battery certification system.
The decision was made during a ministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo earlier in the day to address public concerns about EV safety, following a fire involving a Mercedes-Benz sedan in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Aug. 1.
The fire, which occurred in the underground parking garage of an apartment complex, injured around 20 people and damaged over 140 cars.
"For the electric vehicle industry to grow, thorough safety management must be guaranteed," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during the meeting.
Under the new rules, EV manufacturers will be required to provide detailed information about their batteries, including the manufacturers, cell types and materials used, according to the Office for Government Policy Coordination under the prime minister.
Currently, only battery capacity, rated voltage and maximum output are subject to mandatory disclosure.
The government plans to introduce a battery certification program for EVs next month, ahead of its original February 2025 schedule.
Additionally, the battery management system (BMS) will be enhanced to detect and warn about battery conditions in real-time. Battery risk standards will also be established by the end of this year, the office said.
The government will maintain existing regulations allowing EV chargers to be installed up to three basement levels in parking facilities, despite some calls to restrict installations to ground level.
The government plans to deploy 20,000 smart control chargers this year, with an additional 71,000 to follow next year. These chargers are equipped with power line communication modems to prevent overcharging.
The new safety measures also mandate the installation of wet sprinkler systems in the underground parking lots of all new buildings and the use of fire-resistant materials on walls, ceilings, and pillars.
The government has postponed by one year the requirement for existing buildings to convert 2 percent of their parking spaces into EV charging areas. This regulation, originally set to take effect in January 2025, has been delayed to allow more time for implementation.
Additionally, the scope of regular EV inspections will be expanded to include cell voltage, battery temperature, charging and degradation status, and cumulative charge-discharge cycles.